New global data shows that Nigeria has escaped the list of the 30 most miserable countries in 2024, even as economic pressures continue to affect citizens.
The ranking, based on Okun’s Misery Index, which combines inflation and unemployment rates, was compiled by data analytics platform Statisense with adjustments by Insider Monkey. It draws on publicly available data to provide a comparative snapshot of global economic distress in 2024.
Zimbabwe faces severe economic instability, high inflation, and currency volatility. South Africa struggles with high unemployment despite a diversified economy and Yemen has been affected by years of conflict that have disrupted economic activity and employment.
According to the 2024 ranking, Zimbabwe tops the list, followed by South Africa and Yemen. Other countries in the top 10 include Lebanon, Venezuela, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Iran, Syria and Sudan.
Several African nations such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, Botswana, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Eswatini, Tunisia, and Egypt also appear prominently.
Latin American and Caribbean nations including Venezuela, Argentina, Haiti, and Brazil, alongside Middle Eastern states like Yemen, Lebanon, Iran, Syria and Iraq are also featured.
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